Mozart: Violin Sonatas

1	Sonata for violin & piano
2	Sonata for violin & piano
3	Sonata for violin & piano
4	Sonata for violin & piano
5	Sonata for violin & piano
6	Sonata for violin & piano
7	Sonata for violin & piano
8	Sonata for violin & piano
9	Sonata for violin & piano
10	Sonata for violin & piano
Mozart: Violin Sonatas
1.	Sonata for violin & piano No. 24 in F major, K. 376 (K. 374d) 17:41
	Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
	Performed by Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu
2.	Sonata for violin & piano No. 18 in G major, K. 301 (K. 293a) 14:21
	Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
	Performed by Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu
3.	Sonata for violin & piano No. 21 in E minor, K. 304 (K. 300c) 12:46
	Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
	Performed by Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu
4.	Sonata for violin & piano No. 35 in A major, K. 526 25:07
	Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
	Performed by Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu

Barnes & Noble

The 250th anniversary in 2006 of Mozart's birth is sure to be marked by countless reissues of classic albums, but if it also produces a handful of new recordings as rewarding as Hilary Hahn's, we'll really have grounds for celebration. This is Hahn's first Mozart disc, and more surprisingly it's also her first exploration of the duo sonata repertoire, following upon her many critically acclaimed concerto recordings (and her debut, a selection of Bach's solo sonatas and partitas). Hearing her in the more intimate company of pianist Natalie Zhu, a regular recital partner, is like making her acquaintance for the very first time, and Hahn's remarkable gifts shine through in this format, exposing the sensitivity of her musicianship and the flawless warmth of her tone, even under the closest scrutiny. Also apparent are her collaborative skills, for just like another duo who released a fine Mozart sonata disc in 2005 -- Mark Steinberg and Mitsuko Uchida -- Hahn and Zhu have been playing together (and playing Mozart together) for more than a decade, and it shows in every phrase. Although Steinberg and Uchida are more likely to surprise with an unexpected but carefully considered twist of perspective, Hahn and Zhu cultivate a bold and forthright personality, and anyone who knows and loves these sonatas wouldn't want to give up either disc, even if they overlap on two out of four works. Hahn is no stranger to the darker emotions of the E Minor Sonata, K. 304, but it's the three major-mode sonatas (especially the abundantly joyful A Major Sonata, K. 526) that give free rein to her youthful zest and elicit her most memorable performances. With those Mozart-year festivities just around the corner, it's hard to imagine a more auspicious herald than this immensely talented duo. Scott Paulin

All Music Guide

Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu prove they are an excellent duo team in their first recording together, featuring four of Mozart's sonatas for violin and piano. All dating from 1778 and later, Mozart treats the two instruments more equitably in these sonatas than in his earlier ones. Hahn and Zhu are technically flawless together. They match each other as closely as two different instruments can to achieve a true duet sound. Just as Hahn "digs" into her strings for extra friction in the opening of the "Sonata in E minor, K. 304," Zhu aims for the same tone quality with her touch. The two use longer note values, enhanced by vibrato and pedal, to give the music a pretty sound. It's probably more than a Classical era purist would like, but this is by no means a Romantic interpretation. Their slow movements, particularly those of K. 376 and K. 526, have beautifully rounded, cantabile phrases. The Allegro con spirito of K. 301 has bright accents and intense diminuendos and crescendos, demonstrating that this music isn't all elegance and delicacy. What marks their performance overall is an infectious energy that draws the listener's attention. Hahn and Zhu have a lively spirit, but they balance it skillfully and knowledgeably with respect for the music, not taking it too seriously, but also not ignoring its significance as part of Mozart's oeuvre and as part of the violin and piano repertoire. It's a performance that is both well-informed and enjoyable, and makes the next effort by Hahn and Zhu something to look forward to. Patsy Morita

Gramophone

As violin playing per se, I can't think of anyone alive who produces a more ravishing sound or controls their sound more skillfully. The opening of K301 is immediately arresting while the combination of expressive tone and calculated understatement especially suits the E minor Sonata, K304. Rob Cowan

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

[Grade: A] For those who might be still unconvinced of the delights of chamber music, this disc would be an excellent place to begin an exploration. Sarah Bryan Miller